Tubular Portion Research Articles

Observations on the Germination of Spores of <i>Padina tetrastromatica</i> Hauck

The germination of the spores of Padina tetrastromatica Hauck from Mohaballipuram, South of Madras is described in detail for the first time from India for any member of the Dictyotaceae. The tetrasporangium, instead of forming the usual tetraspores, liberates its entire contents which germinate immediately on settling down on the thallus of Padina tetrastromatica, Hauck. The liberated body is spherical in shape and on germination it produces at first a protuberance which on growing for some length as a tubular structure is cut off by a transverse wall from a spherical upper portion. The lower tubular portion, by a few divisions, forms a filamentous structure, the end cell of which produces a sort of a branched haptera on coming into contact with any foreign body. In the upper spherical portion cell divisions occur to result in a somewhat nodular structure. One of the superficial cells of this nodule grows out and by a transverse wall in this, an apical cell in cut off. By the activity of this apical cell new shoots of Padina are developed at first as cylindrical structures. By the growth and division in all cells, later a flattened structure and then a fan shaped thallus is formed characteristic of the Padina plant. In the sequence of divisions and the formation of the rhizoid like structures, Padina tetrastromatica Hauck shows some differences from the other members of the Dictyotaceae reported earlier from abroad.

Developmental events in the mandibular salivary gland of Indian sheep (Ovis aries): Morphological and histochemical studies.

At 22nd day of fetal development, the primordial anlage of mandibular gland was first noticed as a solid epithelial bud from oral epithelium. The terminal buds were arranged in the form of clusters with undifferentiated epithelial cells and terminated in a bulb like structure in 28-day-old fetus. The lumenization and branching of the main cord was noticed at 35th day. The primary septa, which divide the glandular mass into lobes was observed from 53rd day onwards which resulted in the formation of distinct lobulation at 58th day. At 61st day, the capsule formation was initiated by the aggregation of mesenchymal tissue. The terminal tubules differentiated to form the secretory end pieces and the tubular portion leads to the formation of intercalated and striated ducts at 98th day. Predominantly mucous types of acinar cells were seen from 108th day onwards. The number of lobules increased with steep increase in parenchyma from 128th day onwards. Micrometrical studies revealed that the mean diameter of acinar cells and all ducts was increased with the advancement of age and the significant differences were observed between groups. Localization of acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides was observed in mucous cells and goblet cells. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The primordial anlage of mandibular salivary gland was seen at 22nd day. Lobulation of gland was appeared at 53rd day of development, however; it was completed at 58th day. At 98th day, the terminal tubules differentiated to form the secretory end pieces. The parenchyma of the gland showed predominantly mucous type of cells from 108th day onwards. Myoepithelial cells were first appeared as flattened basal cells initially around the developing acinar cells at 132nd day. Localization of acidic as well as neutral mucopolysaccharides was observed in mucous cells and goblet cells. Fine lipid droplets were observed in intralobular as well as interlobular connective tissue, however; phospholipids were observed in the cell membrane of secretory cells and ducts.

Biomass productivity and characterization of Tetradesmus obliquus grown in a hybrid photobioreactor.

In this study, the effects of CO2 addition on the growth performance and biochemical composition of the green microalga Tetradesmus obliquus cultured in a hybrid algal production system (HAPS) were investigated. The HAPS combines the characteristics of tubular photobioreactors (towards a better carbon dioxide dissolution coefficient) with thin-layer cascade system (with a higher surface-to-volume ratio). Experimental batches were conducted with and without CO2 addition, and evaluated in terms of productivity and biomass characteristics (elemental composition, protein and lipid contents, pigments and fatty acids profiles). CO2 enrichment positively influenced productivity, and proteins, lipids, pigments and unsaturated fatty acids contents in biomass. The HAPS herein presented contributes to the optimization of microalgae cultures in open systems, since it allows, with a simple adaptation-a transit of the cultivation through a tubular portion where injection and dissolution of CO2 is efficient-to obtain in TLC systems, greater productivity and better-quality biomass.

Histomorphogenesis of sublingual salivary gland of Indian sheep

ABSTRACT The primordial anlage of sublingual gland was first noticed as a solid epithelial bud from oral epithelium at the 24th day of foetal development. The terminal buds were arranged in the form of clusters with undifferentiated epithelial cells and terminated in a bulb-like structure in the 30-day-old sheep foetus. On the 37th day, lumenization and branching of the main cord was noticed. The primary septa were observed from the 55th day onwards which resulted in the formation of lobulation on the 60th day. The capsule formation was initiated by aggregation of mesenchymal tissue on the 63rd day. On the 100th day, terminal tubules differentiated to form secretory end pieces. Tubular portions formed intercalated and striated ducts. Predominantly mucous type of acinar cells was seen from the 110th day onwards with myoepithelial cells. The number of lobules increased with increase in parenchyma from 130th day onwards. Micrometrical studies revealed that the mean diameter of acini, intercalated, striated and large ducts was increased with advancement of age and significant differences were observed between groups. Localization of acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides were observed in mucous and goblet cells. Fine lipid droplets were observed in intralobular and interlobular connective tissue however, phospholipids were observed in cell membrane of acini and ducts. The current investigation provides microstructural standards for the organogenesis of the sublingual gland of miniature sheep and can lay the foundation for further studies in the morphological investigation of salivary gland development.

Resnet-Unet-FSOA based cranial nerve segmentation and medial axis extraction using MRI images

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a Resnet-UNet-Fractional Snake Optimization Algorithm (Res-UNet-FSOA) for cranial nerve segmentation. Firstly, MRI images are considered as input, and thereafter preprocessing is conducted utilizing median filtering. In the module of pre-processing, the image enhancement is carried out based upon improved multiscale vesselness that is in identifying local tubular portions of an image. After that, cranial nerve segmentation is done employing Res-UNet, which is an amalgamation of Resnet and UNet. The network is then trained by a devised optimization approach namely, FSOA. The FSOA is proposed by incorporating Fractional Calculus (FC) and Snake Optimizer (SO). Then, start point and end point extraction is executed utilizing deep seeded region growing (DSRG). At last, medial axis extraction is performed using tensor voting and non-maximum suppression (TV-NMS) method. Furthermore, the proposed approach obtained segmentation accuracy of 0.930, Jaccard coefficient of 0.947, and dice coefficient of 0.950.

Biochemical analysis of saliva in head and neck cancer patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Radiation therapy leads to salivary gland damage that causes xerostomia, the standard radiation-induced complication during radiotherapy that affects the quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. This study was conducted at a tertiary cancer institute in Punjab state to analyze the influence of radiation therapy on various parameters and substances of saliva. Sixty head and neck cancer patients who underwent conventional radiotherapy on a Cobalt machine were included. Saliva was collected in both stimulated and unstimulated states. Stimulated whole saliva was collected by applying two to three drops of citric acid solution (2%) over the dorsum of the tongue bilaterally at 30-s intervals for 2 min. Biochemical changes in the whole saliva were evaluated by biochemical methods at baseline, completion of therapy, and 3 and 6 months post-radiotherapy completion. The lowest concentration of proteins was seen after the therapy in unstimulated and stimulated saliva. Salivary protein levels showed a rising trend toward baseline in 3- and 6-month posttherapy samples. The peak value (0.4 mg/dl) was reached in the stimulated saliva after therapy. Salivary amylase did not show a consistent concentration graph. The salivary concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride showed peak values after radiotherapy. The lowest salivary pH was obtained at completion of therapy, both in unstimulated and stimulated saliva. After 3 months of chemoradiotherapy, the saliva reached a pH value of 8.3, whereas 6-month posttherapy sample showed a pH value of 8.4 in both unstimulated and stimulated saliva. At the completion of chemoradiotherapy, the total salivary protein, albumin, and inorganic components (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) showed a downward trend from the baseline values due to the damage caused to the acinar part of the salivary gland by radiotherapy. The rise in salivary electrolytes' concentrations is attributed to the fact that even though there is loss of absorptive property of the tubular portion of the salivary gland, it retains its secretory property. Saliva becomes thick, scarce, tenacious, and acidic during the period of chemoradiotherapy.

Relationship between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels and disease parameters including clinicopathological parameters and various cytokine levels in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a marker of acute kidney injury and indicates tubular damage. Lupus nephritis-associated renal injury is characterized by damage to the glomeruli and tubular portions of the kidneys. Therefore, NGAL concentrations are expected to vary according to the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, samples from (NZB × NZW) F1 mice at an advanced stage of SLE were used to determine whether serum and urine NGAL concentrations or the urine NGAL:creatinine (uNGAL/C) ratio can be used to reflect diet, disease state, and treatment efficacy. Additionally, the relationship between the levels of NGAL and various cytokines in the serum in SLE was evaluated. Mice were divided into the following four groups (n=15): CN, chow diet and no treatment (saline; intraperitonially injected [i.p.]; 200 μL/day); CP, chow diet and methylprednisolone (i.p.; 5 mg/kg/day); HN, high-fat diet and no treatment (saline [i.p.]; 200 μL/day); and HP, high-fat diet and methylprednisolone treatment (i.p.; 5 mg/kg/day) every day from 6 to 42 weeks of age. The serum and urine NGAL levels and uNGAL/C values were significantly lower in the CP group than those in the CN group. Further, serum NGAL concentration demonstrated a strong positive correlation with urine NGAL levels, uNGAL/C, urine protein concentrations, urine protein:creatinine ratio, and the expression of several cytokines associated with SLE pathogenesis (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and interferon-induced protein [IP]-10). These results suggest that NGAL has a strong positive correlation with the clinicopathological parameters and several key cytokines in SLE.

Developmental Characteristics of the Glomerular and Tubular Portion of the Nephron in the Human Foetal Kidney Cortex: Morphometrical and Immunohistochemical Analysis

This study aimed to morphometrically examine the development of glomeruli and tubules in the kidney cortex of human foetuses at different gestational ages (GAs). We also investigated the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and apoptosis-related markers Bcl-2 and Bax during nephrogenesis using immunohistochemistry. Kidney samples from 38 human foetuses of both sexes with GA ranging from 13 to 40 weeks were analysed. The samples were divided into 7 groups based on GA, each corresponding to 1 lunar month. Foetal kidneys showed a spatiotemporal gradient of nephron differentiation with the transient stages of nephron anlage located in the nephrogenic zone and immature nephrons located in the subjacent maturation zone. In the inner cortex, nephrons establish the morphological characteristics of definitive nephrons. The average area, perimeter, and Feret’s diameter of the glomeruli formed within the kidney cortex gradually decreased up to a period of 29–32 weeks of gestation and subsequently increased until a period of 37–40 weeks. There was a weak negative correlation with GA. In contrast, the areal density of glomeruli increased up to a period of 21–24 weeks and then gradually decreased until a period of 37–40 weeks, showing a moderate negative correlation with GA. The average area of renal tubules slightly decreased until a period of 21–24 weeks of gestation and then gradually increased until a period of 36–40 weeks, showing a moderate positive correlation with GA. The average areal density of renal tubules increased significantly until a period of 21–24 weeks of gestation, remained relatively constant until a period of 33–36 weeks, and then increased significantly at 36–40 weeks. There was a strong positive correlation with GA. Our results showed that Ki-67 was expressed in numerous cells of the metanephric mesenchyme, pretubular aggregates, renal vesicles, comma-shaped bodies, and early S-shaped bodies. During subsequent development and the spatial expansion of nephrons towards the mature zone, the expression of Ki-67 was markedly reduced. Similarly, Bcl-2 was strongly expressed in induced nephrogenic progenitor cells, pretubular aggregates, renal vesicles, and comma-shaped bodies. As vascularisation and maturation of the nephron proceeded, Bcl-2 staining became less intense and limited to the parietal layer of the Bowman’s capsule and renal tubules. Weak Bax expression was observed in individual scattered cells within segments of the nephrons at all developmental stages. In the mature zone, more intense Bax staining was observed in the renal tubules.

Serum Protein Exposure Activates a Core Regulatory Program Driving Human Proximal Tubule Injury.

The kidneys efficiently filter waste products while retaining serum proteins in the circulation. However, numerous diseases compromise this barrier function, resulting in spillage of serum proteins into the urine (proteinuria). Some studies of glomerular filtration suggest that tubules may be physiologically exposed to nephrotic-range protein levels. Therefore, whether serum components can directly injure the downstream tubular portions of the kidney, which in turn can lead to inflammation and fibrosis, remains controversial. We tested the effects of serum protein exposure in human kidney tubule microphysiologic systems and with orthogonal epigenomic approaches since animal models cannot directly assess the effect of serum components on tubules. Serum, but not its major protein component albumin, induced tubular injury and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Epigenomic comparison of serum-injured tubules and intact kidney tissue revealed canonical stress-inducible regulation of injury-induced genes. Concordant transcriptional changes in microdissected tubulointerstitium were also observed in an independent cohort of patients with proteinuric kidney disease. Our results demonstrate a causal role for serum proteins in tubular injury and identify regulatory mechanisms and novel pathways for intervention.

Bentall–De Bono procedure for aortic regurgitation and intraoperative rupture of moderately dilated ascending aorta: A case report

We herein present a clinical case of root and ascending aortic replacement in a patient with borderline enlargement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve insufficiency. A 65-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with signs of heart failure. Subsequent echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed hemodynamically significant aortic insufficiency, as well as expansion of the ascending aorta. Diameter at the levels of the sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and tubular portion of the ascending aorta were 48, 47 and 44 mm, respectively. Based on the aforementioned data, indications for isolated aortic valve replacement were determined. Although the main portion of the surgery was unremarkable, at its final stage, a rupture of a section of the ascending aorta occurred. The results of intraoperative express histological examination of the enlarged aorta revealed connective tissue dysplasia and cystic median necrosis. Replacement of the ascending aorta was performed using the modified Bentall–De Bono technique. This case demonstrated that a borderline aortic dilatation of 40–50 mm at the ascending aorta was associated with pathological changes in its wall, which can cause fatal complications (rupture and dissection) and may require a more aggressive approach during surgical correction. Intraoperative express histological examination of the wall of the ascending aorta in ambiguous situations can help determine the scope of the intervention.Received 16 March 2021. Revised 14 September 2021. Accepted 15 September 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.Contribution of the authors Literature review: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan Drafting the article: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan, V.N. Suslova Critical revision of the article: S.Yu. Boldyrev, V.A. Porkhanov Surgical treatment: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan Final approval of the version to be published: S.Yu. Boldyrev, M.A. Marukyan, V.N. Suslova, K.O. Barbukhatti, V.A. Porkhanov

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta: case report of a donor-derived Pseudomonas infection in a heart transplant recipient

BackgroundMycotic aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after heart transplantation (HTX) with remarkable mortality. Intrathoracic infection is a well-documented predisposing factor for this disease. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Candida species are commonly isolated from resected specimens of the pseudoaneurysms. We demonstrate a unique case of mycotic pseudoaneurysm caused by presumably donor-derived Pseudomonas infection in a heart transplant recipient.Case presentationOur 67-year-old male patient treated with diabetes mellitus underwent HTX. The donor suffered from epiglottic abscess and pneumonia with known microorganisms including Pseudomonas, therefore both the donor and recipient received targeted antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis. Five months after the uneventful HTX, lab test of the asymptomatic patient showed moderate, increasing C-reactive protein level without obviuos source of infection. Chest computed tomography showed a large (90 mm) saccular dilatation of the tubular portion of ascending aorta. Urgent surgical intervention identified a pseudoaneurysm, histological examinations and cultures of the resected aorta verified Pseudomonas aeruginosa aortitis, while all blood cultures remained negative. Retrospective interrogation of other transplanted organs of the donor supported donor-derived infection as the transport fluid of the right kidney grew Pseudomonas. The patient received 3 weeks of ceftazidime followed by 7 months of oral ciprofloxacin therapy. One year after the operation the patient was asymptomatic with normal inflammatory markers.ConclusionsDonor-derived infection is a rare but potential cause of aortitis. Early diagnosis, surgical intervention and adjuvant antibiotic therapy seem to be the keys to successful management of mycotic pseudoaneurysms after HTX.

Pathology of the Aorta and Aorta as Homograft.

The aorta is not a rigid tube, it is an “organ” with lamellar units, consisting of elastic fibers, extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cells in between as parenchyma. Several diseases may occur in the natural history of the aorta, requiring replacement of both semilunar cusps and ascending aorta. They may be congenital defects, such as bicuspid aortic valve and isthmal coarctation with aortopathy; genetically determined, such as Marfan and William syndromes; degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerosis and medial necrosis with aortic dilatation, valve incompetence and dissecting aneurysm; inflammatory diseases such as Takayasu arteritis, syphilis, giant cell and IgM4 aortitis; neoplasms; and trauma. Aortic homografts from cadavers, including both the sinus portion with semilunar cusps and the tubular portion, are surgically employed to replace a native sick ascending aorta. However, the antigenicity of allograft cells, in the lamellar units and interstitial cells in the cusps, is maintained. Thus, an immune reaction may occur, limiting durability. After proper decellularization and 6 months’ implantation in sheep, endogenous cell repopulation was shown to occur in both the valve and aortic wall, including the endothelium, without evidence of inflammation and structural deterioration/calcification in the mid-term. The allograft was transformed into an autograft.

Non-aneurysmal ascending aorta diameter changes after aortic valve replacement in patients with stenotic bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve.

The appropriate timing of aortic repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve-related aortopathy remains controversial. We describe the changes in diameter of the non-aneurysmal ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement for bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve stenosis. This retrospective review included 189 patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement for severe stenotic aortic valve with a non-aneurysmal ascending aorta diameter of 45mm or less between January 2008 and December 2018. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze and compare the enlargement rates of the non-aneurysmal ascending aorta at the tubular portion after aortic valve replacement in bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve patients. The enlargement rate of the non-aneurysmal ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement was significantly greater in the bicuspid aortic valve group than in the tricuspid aortic valve group (0.36mm/year vs. 0.09mm/year, p < 0.001). The specific form of bicuspid aortic valve also affected aorta diameter enlargement: the enlargement rate of 0.85mm/year in the Type 0 (according to Sievers' classification) group was approximately five times that in the Non-Type 0 group (p < 0.001). No aortic events were observed, and no patients needed reoperations for the ascending aorta, in either the bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve groups. The persistent possibility of progressive ascending aortic dilatation after aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, especially in Type 0 bicuspid aortic valve patients, demands careful post-procedural evaluation of the ascending aorta.

Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm of the Ascending Aorta after Heart Transplantation

Introduction Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta is a potentially fatal complication after heart transplantation (HTx). Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa as a pathogen is mainly seen in immunosuppressed patients. Possible symptoms are malaise, chest or thoracic back pain, dyspnea, dysphagia or fever. Occasionally asymptomatic cases are also reported. There is often a previous mediastinitis or other infection in the patient history. In our patient a P. aeruginosa pseudoaneurysm developed after HTx without any alarm symptoms. Case Report The 67-year-old male patient treated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure attended a regular visit five months after HTx. He was asymptomatic except of an unexplainable weight loss. Lab test showed a moderate C-reactive protein level elevation over the course of two months (4-7-24-57 mg/L), therefore further examinations were prepared to identify the source of infection. Transthoracic echocardiography, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound and urine culture revealed no abnormalities. Chest computed tomography (CT) however showed a significant (90 mm) saccular dilatation of the tubular portion of ascending aorta. No obvious concomitant infection was reported. An urgent surgical intervention was indicated. A pseudoaneurysm was identified intraoperatively starting at the aortic anastomotic suture line, it was successfully resected and the sinotubular junction was reconstructed with a vascular prosthesis. Cultures of the resected specimen grew P. aeruginosa while all blood cultures taken pre- and postoperatively remained negative. Histological examinations verified aortitis. The patient received 3 weeks of intravenous treatment with ceftazidim followed by long-term oral ciprofloxacin. 19 day postoperative CT revealed no sign of recurrent graft infection. 4 months after the operation the patient was asymptomatic with controlled blood pressure and normal inflammatory markers. Summary This case demonstrates the importance of considering a mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in the etiology of unexplainable inflammation following HTx. P. aeruginosa can be a causative organism which may indicate a long-term antibiotic therapy. It is important to check regularly the physical status, blood pressure, aortic diameters and inflammatory markers of the patient, as well as the potential side effects of antibiotic treatment.

P811 More than aortic measurements: evaluation with TTE and angioCT in bicuspid aortic valve yields useful information about valvular compromise

Abstract Background 2D transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the technique of choice in the diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Computed tomography (CT) is widely used in BAV to measure aortic diameters. However, in some cases CT or magnetic resonance (MRI) can add important information to TTE regarding valvular degeneration and morphotype. We designed the present prospective study to determine the agreement between TTE and gated CT in the assessment of aortic valve morphology, fibrosis, calcification and measurements of thoracic aorta. We also aimed to analyze the utility of CT in the evaluation of BAV patients, in addition to aortic measurements. Methods We included 30 consecutive patients with BAV (mean age 45 ± 15.7 years ; 73.3% men) who underwent both TTE and ECG-gated cardiac and aortic CT for valvular and aortic assessment in a follow-up protocol with a time interval between TTE and CT of 4 ± 2.6 months. We performed measurements of thoracic aorta at 6 levels (annulus, Valsalva sinus: VS, sinotubular junction, ascendent, arch and isthmus) with both techniques following guideline recommendations blinded to the results of the other technique. Several measurements of VS were performed in short-axis view (double-oblique method) (maximal diameter perpendicular to the valve opening, sinus to sinus, raphe to sinus, commissure to commissure) at systole and diastole with CT. Valve phenotype, presence of raphe, calcification scoring, aortic valve prolapse and fibrosis were also determined with both techniques and maximum aortic diameters were compared. An indexed aortic diameter &amp;gt; 21 mm/m2 was considered as aortic dilation and assimetryc root was defined when differences between CT measurements were ≥5mm. Results In 7 patients (23.3%) aortic diameter differences at Sinus by TTE and CT were ≥3mm. Concerning ascending aorta measurements, there was better agreement and only 2 cases (6.6%) showed differences ≥ 3mm. In 2 patients with severe calcification valve morphology was identified only with CT. There was good agreement between TTE and CT in calcium quantification in patients with valvular calcium score over 2000 AU (n = 5) and in those without calcification. However, TTE failed in identification of valvular fibrosis in 5 patients. 10 patients (30%) had aortic dilatation with CT and 7 according to TTE measurements. The 3 patients that were not identified as dilated in TTE had dilatation at the distal tubular portion. CT led to identification of coronary anomalies in 5 patients (16.7%), most of them anomalous high origin above the sinotubular junction. Conclusions Although TTE is the gold-standard in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with BAV, CT was useful to confirm aortic measurements and to identify valvular fibrosis, assimetry, coronary anomalies and dilatation at the tubular portion. CT can add important information to TTE regarding valvular morphotype and aortic measurements, although radiation and cost should be evaluated. Abstract P811 Figure. Calcification agreement TTE and CT

Syphilitic aortitis: still a current common cause of aneurysm of the tubular portion of ascending aorta.

Aortic syphilis today is infrequently diagnosed clinically. Described herein are findings in 5 women who had resection of a fusiform aneurysm of the tubular portion of ascending aorta, and examination of the wall of the aneurysm disclosed classic features of aortic syphilis. The 5 patients were among 36 who had ascending aortic operations at Baylor University Medical Centerin Dallas in 2018 and early 2019. Syphilitic aneurysm in each spared the sinus portion and involved diffusely the tubular portion of ascending aorta, beginning at the sinotubular junction. The aneurysmal wall was thicker than normal because of thickening of both intima and adventitia. The latter contained foci of lymphocytes and plasmacytesand thickened and narrowed vasa vasora. The media was disrupted by fibrous scars, which weakened the integrity of the aorta. Aortitis of the tubular portion of ascending aorta in syphilis is a diffuse process, but often is mistakenly called "atherosclerosis" which, when present in this portion of aorta, can be extensive but is focal. Aortic syphilis is important to diagnose so that patients can receive antibiotic therapy to delay, prevent, or treat neurosyphilis, a common accompaniment of aortic syphilis.

Does the pattern of bicuspid aortic valve leaflet fusion determine the success of the Ross procedure?

In addition to being associated with aortopathy, a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) has been posed to be a risk factor for the dilation of the pulmonary autograft in the aortic position. The aim of this study is to assess the association between the subtype of native aortic valve leaflet fusion (right and noncoronary leaflets [R/N] vs right and left leaflets [R/L]) and autograft dilation and valve dysfunction after the Ross procedure. We performed a retrospective review of 43 patients with BAV who underwent a Ross procedure in our center from 1993 to 2013. Serial transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure changes in autograft and ascending aortic diameter over time. The aortic diameter was measured at four levels, and Z values were computed. Aortic dilation was defined as a Z value greater than 3. The mean age at the time of the Ross procedure was 13.5 ± 9.2 years. R/L was the most prevalent native aortic valve subtype (R/L, n = 26, 61% vs R/N, n = 17, 39%). PreRoss procedure, aortic dilation was more frequent in patients with R/N fusion (P = .02), whereas the initial aortic valve gradient and grade of aortic insufficiency (AI) did not differ between the subgroups. At follow-up, (mean = 9.6 ± 4.3 years) dilation of the autograft and ascending aorta was seen more often in patients with R/N leaflet fusion (P = .03). Conversely, the prevalence of more than moderate AI was significantly higher in patients with R/L leaflet fusion (P = .03). There was no significant difference between groups among numbers of late reintervention on the aortic valve or root (P = .75); however the type of intervention varied by morphologic subtype. Patients with R/L fusion underwent more aortic valve replacements (AVRs) while patients with R/N fusion underwent more valve-sparing aortic root replacements. After Ross procedure, both groups of patients were likely to have a combination of dilation of the aortic root and the tubular portion of the ascending aorta at follow-up. Patients with R/L fusion were more likely to have a prevalence of root dilation, while patients with R/N fusion were more likely to have tubular ascending aorta dilation. The R/L phenotype is associated with a slightly more rapid dilation at follow-up and is more likely to have postoperative autograft insufficiency. This information may serve to guide patient and procedure selection for AVR.

Teratogenic effects of cypermethrin and carbaryl on swiss albino mice (Mus musculus)

Toxic effects of cypermethrin and carbaryl were determined by studying histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of developing fetus of Swiss albino mice during 2018. The mice were kept under controlled conditions of temperature (25 oC), relative humidity (40-50 %) and photoperiod 12 hrs : 12 hrs. The pregnant female mice were exposed to two dose groups of 5 mg/g body weight (b.w.) and 7.5 mg/g of b.w. The doses were administrated orally daily at morning for eighteen days during gestation. Cesarean sections were performed on eighteenth day and fetuses were recovered for morphological and morphometric analysis which revealed normal development of external organs in all treatment groups except in the group where 7.5 mg/g of b.w. of cypermethrin was applied. High dose group of cypermethrin (7.5 mg/g of b.w.) showed significant variations in the reduction of body weight (311.47 mg), crown rump (CR) length (11.23 mm) and tail length (7.25 mm) with arrested growth as compared to other groups. Results showed sinusoid enlargement, congestion of central vein, dilation of tubular portion, necrosis, hemorrhages along with irregular hepatocytes in kidney and liver in all treatment groups. Higher dose of cypermethrin caused slight teratological effects on fetus. Physical and morphological abnormality was not observed in all groups including control. The present study concludes that the cypermethrin produces teratological effects in addition to reduction in the growth of developing fetus mice, thus, may be explored further for hazardous effects. Keywords: Histopathology; Kidney; Liver; Pesticides; Teratogenic http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80092

Spermathecae: Morphofunctional features and correlation with fat bodies and trachea in six species of vectors of Chagas disease

Since spermatheca is able to transport spermatozoa and maintain a specific microenvironment for the storage of viable sperm cells for long periods of time, specific morphofunctional features must be involved in this capacity, and an efficient nutritional and oxygen supply must be required. In this study, we investigated the histological features of spermathecae and fat bodies in six species of three genera of epidemiological importance for Chagas’ disease. The association of the reproductive system with the fat bodies and tracheal system was also focused in these species. The reproductive system, tracheae and fat bodies were fixed in 4% formaldehyde, and embedded in glycol methacrylate. The sections were stained with H.E., picrosirius red and Periodic-Acid Schiff methods for morphological analyses. Paraffin-embedded spermatheca sections were submitted to immunofluorescence for detection of V-ATPase. In P. lignarius, R. montenegrensis and R. prolixus, the spermatheca contains a slightly dilated tubular distal portion. In P. megistus and T. tibiamaculata, the spermatheca shows a large bulbous distal portion, and in T. infestans, a large oval-shaped distal portion. In all species, this portion was surrounded by a thin muscular layer, and the epithelial height varied according to the shape of this terminal portion. All spermathecal proximal portions showed simple columnar epithelium surrounded by a thick muscular layer. The epithelial cells of spermathecae showed PAS-positive cytoplasm and V-ATPase immunofluorescence in the apical surface. Tracheoles and polysaccharide-rich fat body cells were found next or in close contact to the oviduct or spermathecal tissues. The results indicate that the spermatheca proximal portion is related to contraction and sperm transport, whose oxygen and energy supply is guaranteed by the associated tracheal branches and fat bodies. In the storage portion, fat bodies and tracheae seem to be crucial for the maintenance of an optimal spermathecal microenvironment and storage of viable sperm cells. The participation of V-ATPase in the spermathecae epithelial cells may contribute for the maintenance of an optimal luminal milieu to spermatozoa, by alkalinization and/or acidification of lumen, similarly to the other epithelial cell types in insects. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of this proton pump in the spermathecal epithelial cells.

Description of a new dagger nematode, Xiphinema barooghii n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) and additional data on the three known species of the genus from northwest of Iran.

Xiphinema barooghii n. sp. collected from the rhizosphere of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Roodghat area, Sufiyan, East-Azarbaijan province, northwest of Iran, is described on the basis of the morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species belongs to morphospecies group 6 of the polytomous key prepared by Loof and Luc, 1990. Xiphinema barooghii n. sp. is characterized by having two almost equally developed female reproductive branches with spines in the tubular portion of the uterus, a body length of 3.67–4.25 mm, a flat lip region, rounded cephalic region, separated from body contour by a shallow depression, a spear 215–225 μm long, mid-body diameter of 60–79 μm, vulva (46–48%), a short tail (30–38 µm, c = 103–133, c′ = 0.7–0.9), conoid, dorsally convex, ventrally directed with a small terminal peg and a distinct terminal blind canal, the presence of four juvenile stages and the absence of males. The polytomous identification codes of the new species are: A4, B3, C5a, D6, E5, F4, G3, H2, I3, J4, K2, L1. In addition to morphological and morphometric data, molecular analyses of the D2–D3 expansion regions of the 28S rDNA gene placed the new species as a sister species of X. herakliense (Group 5) with 65% Bayesian posterior probability and further separated this species from the other members in group 6. In this study, X. index, X. pachtaicum and X. vuittenezi were also collected and additional data for the species were provided.